By Abdi-Noor Haji Mohamed
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There is famine there is drought in Somalia. But there is also the longest coastline in Africa, estimated to more than 3,000 Kms. So why can’t we exploit these natural marine resources which Allah has endowed us with. Are we afraid of the sea or are we on bad terms with the sea itself much the same way as we harbor hostility to anyone not belonging to our tribe.
After all is the sea an enemy to us? I ask this question to the nomad-turned pirate who is up on arms to attack vessels. Do you think it has covered a large tract of land which could have given enough vegetation to your camel? Is that why you don’t show any friendly approach to the sea? Are you accusing it of invading your land — a land which you would otherwise have comfortably roamed…. a land that would very much have fitted your nomadic mentality? Do you see it as an occupation force which should be expelled at any cost? If you have no hard feelings for the sea then why can’t you use it wisely and harness it to the advantage of yourself and your people? Do we need some one to intervene and reconcile the differences lying between you and the sea? Why can’t you take boats and catch fish instead of becoming a pirate who attacks vessels in the high seas? You claim to be protecting the sea from those ships illegally fishing in the Somali seas while you yourself don’t eat the very fish you claim to be protecting.
Strange as it may look, our culture has put a barrier between us and the sea. How many cities, towns and villages do we have in the coastal areas of Somalia with populations whose nutritional status is very poor? Children in those locations die enormously from diseases mainly related to malnutrition. A large sector of these coastal inhabitants are suffering from eye (sight) problems which could remedied with various sea food which are known to be rich in vitamin and mineral resources. So is it justifiable to mount a gun on a small fishing boat and start shooting at vessels indiscriminately claiming to be a self-styled coast guard? We have to change our culture and behavior to live in peace with the sea and make good use of its resources.
Please share this poem with me
Please share this poem with me
A weeping Sea
I am the bountiful Indian Ocean In hearing these words, the sea wept |
Abdi-Noor Mohamed
E-mail: nuuru2003@hotmail.com
Mogadishu, Somalia
| The opinions contained in this article are solely those of the writer, and in no way, form or shape represent the editorial opinions of “Hiiraan Online” |
